Piracy
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Introduction
Pirates might have a romantic image in many cultures, but modern piracy is a criminal menace that is a threat to the lives and livelihoods of many seafarers.
Over the years, thousands of seafarers have been killed, injured, assaulted, taken hostage or threatened, as piracy and armed robbery have spread in those seas with little protection.
What’s the current situation?
At present, the most dangerous waters are those off the Nigerian and Somali coats, where incidents of reported piracy rose by 10% in 2007 to affect 263 ships.
Attacks on shipping and seafarers are increasingly violent. In 2007, there was a 35% increase in incidents involving guns, with 64 crew injured or assaulted. Ships in Somali waters were also more likely to be affected by kidnaps – criminals held 154 crew hostage in 11 hijackings in 2007.
These crimes also endanger shipping generally. Ships have sometimes sailed uncontrolled through busy shipping lanes as the crew have been tied up or held at gunpoint. Attackers have also fired guns or even rockets at laden tankers and gas carriers.
Seafarers can be protected against piracy - given the will of states to intervene. Action by national authorities means that some once-dangerous waters are now far safer.
Following growing vigilance in Indonesia, reported attacks decreased from 121 in 2003 to 43 in 2007. Coordinated action has also seen attacks fall in previous hot spots, such as the Malacca Straits, Malaysia, the Singapore Straits and Bangladesh.
What can be done to combat piracy?
ITF believes that a range of measures is needed to prevent piracy and the dangers it poses to seafarers. These include:
- International assistance for those states willing to combat piracy but who lack the means, and to address the problem of states not willing to take remedial action when piracy takes place in their jurisdiction, on their flagged vessels or affects their nationals
- Action by coastal states when requested, including criminal proceedings, with no undue delay of vessel and/or crew
- Flag states to assist vessels flying their flag who are victims of piracy
- States to assist their seafarer nationals who are victims of piracy
- Close cooperation between all partners in the shipping industry to fight these crimes
- Greater awareness and vigilance by seafarers about the dangers of piracy and armed robbery
- Immediate reporting of all incidents, including the nationality of seafarer victims
- Greater use of equipment such as CCTV to detect and deter attack
How should piracy be reported?
Attacks can be reported to the International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre for legal, medical and other assistance and support.
24-hour anti-piracy helpline +60 3 2031 0014
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